Sunni Ittehad Council (SIC) leader Sahibzada Hamid Raza was reportedly arrested in the early hours of Friday by Islamabad Police while traveling from Peshawar to Faisalabad, his family confirmed.
According to multiple reports, the arrest occurred near the D-12 intersection at approximately 2 a.m.
The acting chairman of the SIC, Sahibzada Hassan Raza, verified the arrest, stating that his brother was detained during the journey.
“He was scheduled to appear before the Faisalabad Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) today to surrender voluntarily,” Hassan Raza said.
PTI Confirms the Arrest
A spokesperson for Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), Sheikh Waqas Akram, also confirmed the arrest through a post on X (formerly Twitter).
He claimed that Islamabad Police intercepted several vehicles near the D-12 junction and took Hamid Raza into custody while he was on his way to Faisalabad.
“Hamid Raza had already announced two days ago that he would surrender,” Sheikh Waqas wrote, adding that the SIC leader was not wanted in any active case by Islamabad Police.
Background: Hamid Raza and the May 9 Case
Earlier this year, Sahibzada Hamid Raza was sentenced to ten years in prison in connection with the May 9 incidents—a series of violent protests that erupted across Pakistan in 2023 following the arrest of a prominent political figure.
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Despite his conviction, Raza had made it clear he intended to surrender voluntarily before the Faisalabad Anti-Terrorism Court, where proceedings related to his case are ongoing.
Following his arrest, the Member of the National Assembly (MNA) was presented before the ATC later that day.
Political Tensions and Reactions
The arrest of Hamid Raza — a well-known religious scholar and political ally of PTI — has stirred strong reactions among opposition circles.
Analysts suggest that his detention could further strain relations between the government and opposition coalitions, particularly as the SIC has been a vocal supporter of PTI in recent political developments.
The timing of the arrest, which came just hours before his scheduled court surrender, has prompted questions about the motive and necessity behind the police action.
Many supporters of the SIC and PTI have described the incident as part of an ongoing crackdown on political dissent, while government sources have yet to issue an official statement on the matter.
